Venerable Theodosius of the Caves (Pechersk)

St. Theodosius of the Caves (c. 1036–1074) was one of the founders of communal (cenobitic) monasticism in Rus' and the second abbot of the Kiev Caves Monastery. In the early 1050s he came to live in the cave of St. Anthony and was tonsured a monk. As abbot, he introduced the Studite cenobitic rule brought from Constantinople, which became the model for subsequent Russian monasteries. Under his leadership a wooden monastery church was built and one of the earliest monastic libraries in Rus' was assembled. Theodosius wrote instructive teachings for the brethren and letters to the Kievan prince on matters of faith, and denounced Arian heresy. Known for extreme asceticism, he wore tattered clothing and subjected himself to severe deprivations. He died in 1074 and was buried in the caves; his relics were later translated to the Dormition Cathedral of the Caves Monastery. He is venerated as one of the fathers of Russian monasticism alongside St. Anthony of the Caves.